Swollen tonsils
Swollen or large tonsils is called tonsillar hyperthrophy in medicine. This condition is extremely common. It is caused by an inflammation when tonsils grow in size due to immune cells multiplying. Tonsil is a gland that is similar to a lymph node, only it sits in the throat (and is not hidden under the skin like other lymph nodes).
In this article:
Treatments
Tonsils are immune glands that play an important role in recognition of the proteins we eat, as well as bacteria and viruses. Tonsils are normally large in size in children, and get smaller in teens and adults. It is crucially important to save the tonsils and take all the measures to shrink them without surgery if needed.
Why would you want to treat large tonsils? Treatment is necessary if tonsils cause the health problems:
- Too many infections causing chronic tonsilitis
- Obstruction of breathing that causes sleep breathing disorders (SBD) , significant snoring and sleep apnea.
The treatment depends on the reason why the tonsils became large. As allergy is a common reason tonsil grow large, talk to your Allergist about SLIT and allergy shots – an immunotherapy. Using antihistamines and nasal steroid spray may help with allergic symptoms temporarily. It is not recommended to get steroid shots!
Antibiotic use is controversial and should be used with caution. Only some cases of tonsilitis need to be treated – the majority are self-resolving. Frequent use of antibiotics can destroy normal microbiome and lead to chronic tonsilitis and tonsillar hyperthrophy.
Tonsillectomy
This surgical procedure used to be very common before scientists found out how important tonsils are for the healthy immunity. Tonsillitis (infection) and/or tonsillar hypertrophy with an obstruction of breathing are the most common indication for surgery. You should get a consultation of the ENT and Allergy specialists before a decision to take tonsils out is made.
Tonsillectomy has side effects and significant discomfort during recovery. Ask your doctor about all possible complications and prepare to take care of your child after the surgery in advance. Activity should be limited to avoid bleeding, and foods should be soft and non-irritating until full healing.
Home remedies
Swollen tonsils that do not cause any problems should be left alone. But if there are problems with breathing and chronic infections, you should take it seriously and think about changes in a lifestyle that will ensure a healthy immune system. Allergy is not a disease, but rather an indicator that an immune system is not functioning properly.
Large tonsils may respond well to gargle with salty water. This is a safe and simple treatment. if done daily, it helps with oral hygiene, and may reduce the tonsils size and discomfort.
As we know, food and environmental allergy are the problems of the modern world that are associated with the use of man-made chemicals and materials. Here are few simple changes you can do in your environment and everyday life:
- Eat healthy simple food not treated with chemicals
- Avoid food preservatives, colorings and artificial fillers in products
- Use natural materials for clothes and household
- Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals and antibacterial soaps
- Spend more time outdoors
- Clean air inside your living space, make sure it is well-ventilated and free of allergens and molds
- Use natural mattresses. Encase your bedding with dust mite – proof materials if these insects are common in your area
- Clean dust and pet dander
Once you take care of your immune system, the tonsils may shrink in size and will not cause any more problems.